Fluoxetine: First SSPs Issued

October 4, 2019

The following news article was published yesterday by PSNC regarding SSPs issued for Fluoxetine:

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In response to significant ongoing disruption to the supply of Fluoxetine capsules, the first Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) have been issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Three SSPs have been authorised by the Secretary of State to help manage the supply of some formulations of Fluoxetine and to try to ensure that fewer patients have to return to their prescriber. Developed by clinicians, the protocols provide pharmacists with procedures to follow in providing a suitable alternative product. Pharmacist must also exercise their professional judgement to ensure the alternative product is suitable for the patient.

Whilst 10mg, 30mg, and 40mg capsules of Fluoxetine are fairly low volume lines, DHSC believes the disruption to supply has reached a level that requires intervention. PSNC has been informed by DHSC that the 20mg capsules – the most commonly prescribed formulation – are in good supply.

Community pharmacy contractors and their teams are asked to read the below SSP documents and to implement the protocols with immediate effect on Thursday 3rd October.